Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Let's all do the Chicken Jive!

I am laying here...day 4 of being sick. I've got bronchitis and a sinus infection, ugh! I can't seem to sleep today, primarily because I can't breathe, but whatevs.

Without a doubt one of the most exciting and stressful times in my classroom has to be our Chick unit. My first year of doing chicks was to say the least not successful. I really wasn't into it and it turned out that my incubator had a flaw...a crack in the bottom. The last several years, I have been determined to build this unit and get excited for it. I love doing the unit, but as it turns out, I am not a good hen. :-) Last year was my most successful hatch, I believe I had four or five. My chicks were cute, but they were not quite "right". While most chicks huddle together, mine scattered apart in the brooder. Two of them had something wrong with their bottoms. I loved those chicks, but I knew that once they got to the farm....things would not go well for them.

The time is here once again. I am no quitter....eventually, I will have a good hatch!! I will let you all know how it goes :-). Here is part of my Farm unit. Thanks for reading!

Enjoy!Shannon

All the files below are also available for purchase in one file.

All documents contain fonts that are copyright DJ Inkers. Virtually all documents contain graphics that are copyright DJ Inkers. They are used with permission. Please visit http://www.djinkers.com/, for wonderful clipart and fonts.

Books we read...

I also have the cutest little book that I got from a retiring teacher my first year. I believe it is called 7 Eggs. It ends with each student getting a chocolate egg...their reactions when they make the connection is priceless!

There are actually a ton of books we read because it is really more of an Oviparous Animals unit.

Here is the student edition of the sort. I have students take an 11x18 piece of construction paper and fold it in half. Then students draw a black line down the center. They color, cut, sort, and glue.Oviparous and Viviparous Sort Student Copy

I always try to include counters for the kiddos that need them. There are 3 levels. The highest level corresponds with the final counter sheet. For extra help for the struggling students I give them two half sheets of construction paper (like blue and yellow). They put the first number of counters on the blue and the second number of counters on the yellow, and then they add them up. I have found that it really helps them out!Adding Eggs Color Code

I love using Dr. Jean's Country Countdown to practice counting backwards. Here is a worksheet that also helps students with the concept.Chick Countdown Worksheet

We use these number chickens when we dance to Jack Hartmann's Chicken Count. It is one of the funniest things you can watch your kids do...strut like chickens!Number Chickens

This is a little game we play using plasic eggs. I number six eggs and put one item in each (a bell, a penny or two, a cotton ball, a marble, and a chocolate egg), but you could use whatever you want. Students shake the egg and discuss with their table mates. Then they write their predictions, then we open them.What's in the egg

That's all for now. I will try to post some pictures as I go through the unit.

I have wanted to hatch eggs for 7 years!!! I can never get a call back from 4H and don't know where else to start. Where do you get your eggs from? Do they chicks back once they hatch? I really want baby chicks!!! :)

You have inspired me!! I was going to hatch chicks but it would be really "over-the-top" to do this in my school. Not many teachers wanting to do that much right now. Anyway, I had just decided to "try it next year" but now I am going to go for it. But..... I need a little help. How do you start :) I have an incubator thing for the eggs, but not sure about getting eggs. From what I have read it takes like 21 days?? Was that about what you experienced. Our spring break is coming up so I don't want to have them hatch while we're gone. Thanks and also your posts are awesome!! Good luck with everyting. I am a 3rd year teacher and times are really scary for all of us.Donnahttp://ilearnedinkindergarten.blogspot.com/

I got the Egg Rhyme clipart from various Carson Dellosa Clip Art packages. They have since discontinued them, but you can sometimes them online, it just takes some looking. I have pictures of them in the Things I Love posting.

I finally found some eggs and we are LOVING this whole process. In fact, I've printed all of your games and created a recording sheet for the syllable game. I hope that's ok!! I posted it and gave you credit of course! ;)

This is wonderful. I have 7 eggs in my incubator EVEN...AS...I...SPEAK! I hope to have them peeping around this week and will post some photos. I love you resources and I can't wait to share themwith my kiddos. Thank you!Mrs. Wills Kindergarten

Hi Shannon!! I was just DL some of your INCREDIBLE unit ideas to update my files for the fall. I am wondering what it means when there isn't an option to print on your Scribd docs. For example on the chick mini book?? I would love to have it if you don't mind sending a copy! eden_capps@scps.k12.fl.us Thanks so much for all that you share! I love that your things are all free :) It's exciting to me because I share so much and always like to find things in return for all of my own hard work ! You rock!

Oh, I can't thank you enough for all the wonderful resources you make available for your fellow teachers! Just copied a zillion things from the farm and chick unit. I'll be hatching chicks too!You're the best!Toniamrsvento.blogspot

I truly love all your resources. Thank you so much for the freebies. I love coming to check out your blog and see what is new. I am downloading all your chicks/farm/egg things. I was trying to download your newest work and couldn't get scribed to work. I'll try again later. Thanks Again!!